Man Utd receive Mateus Fernandes verdict after Tottenham heroics at Chelsea

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Matthew Judge | Editor

Roberto De Zerbi has lavished praise on Mateus Fernandes after he helped inspire Tottenham Hotspur to a historic victory at Chelsea.

Fernandes endured a slow start to his Spurs career following his €99million (£85m) move from West Ham United in the summer transfer window.

However, the 22-year-old came of age with an impressive performance in midfield as Tottenham ran out 2-0 winners at Chelsea on Saturday.

Fernandes recorded more defensive contributions (14) than any other player as Spurs secured just their second league win at Stamford Bridge in 36 years.

And Tottenham head coach De Zerbi waxed lyrical after the display of Fernandes, who also had the most touches of the ball (124) in west London.

On a fiery night which saw Chelsea star Cole Palmer sent off for two bookable offences, De Zerbi said at full-time: “I love watching my players fighting on the pitch.

“But Mateus Fernandes played 90 minutes with a big, big quality. I want to see him with personality. I want to see him enjoy with the ball.

“Even if he makes a mistake, it doesn't matter. It's not a problem, a mistake. But I want to see this personality from my team.

“We are a big club. In the last period the results have been not so good. But we are a top club in the Premier League.”

Man Utd considered signing Fernandes in the summer

Before joining Tottenham, Fernandes was courted by several clubs including Manchester United, Arsenal and Paris Saint-Germain.

While the Red Devils were overseeing a midfield rebuild, they were reportedly unwilling to match Spurs’ offer to sign Fernandes from relegated West Ham.

United signed midfield trio Andrey Santos, Youri Tielemans and Carlos Baleba instead for a combined €173.2m (£148.8m).

However, the 20-time league champions are now below Tottenham in the Premier League table following their win at Chelsea.

United are hoping to register just their third win of the season when they entertain Bournemouth at Old Trafford this afternoon.

Head coach Michael Carrick is under enormous pressure after presiding over a poor run of form which has brought five defeats in 11 games.

United drew 1-1 with Tottenham earlier this month but they were largely outplayed by De Zerbi’s side, who were reduced to 10 men after Rodrigo Bentancur’s red card.

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